NFL Player Michael Sam Says NFL Discarded Him Because He Came Out

Michael Sam was drafted to the National Football League (NFL) in 2014 in a historical moment, as he was the first openly gay man to ever be selected the play on the NFL. That decision was celebrated across the United States as a reflection of how far the LGBT community has come.

However, that draft did not set up Michael Sam’s career as expected. While he was drafted for the St. Louis Rams, he was let go before the season even began. He joined the Cowboys but was shortly thereafter, released again. He then played with the Canadian Football League.

Sam has said: “I think if I never would have came out, never would have said those words out to the public, I would still be currently in the NFL. But because of me saying those words, I think it could have played a huge part in my current situation.”

However, many people believe that his sexuality has nothing to do with his lack of support in the NFL. They say that he is just not a good enough player.

Jason Whitlock, Fox Sports commentator, said: “Michael Sam was a stunt by the NFL. It was a play to the politically correct crowd. The guy’s too short, not fast enough off the ball, he’s not an NFL player, and I think people did the homework on him and said, ‘You know what, I don’t know if he really, really loves the game.’”

“I know how to play this game, I can play this game,” Sam said. “I don’t know what goes on in the NFL with the guys who are making the decisions, but whatever it is, hopefully it’s not what I think it is.”